Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Lishui, Zhejiang, China
1. Taxi Scams
Unscrupulous taxi drivers might use longer routes or overcharge tourists. Avoid this by agreeing on a fare before starting the journey.
- Agreement Before Journey: Always agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid overcharges.
- Legitimate Taxis: Choose licensed and metered taxis for a hassle-free experience.
- Avoid Late Nights: Be cautious with taxi rides late at night to reduce the risk of scams.
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Some markets in Lishui sell counterfeit goods. Be wary of cheap prices and unbranded products.
- Cheap Prices: Be suspicious of products that are unusually cheap.
- Branding: Check for proper branding and packaging to avoid buying counterfeit goods.
- Legal Implications: Purchasing counterfeit goods may have legal implications, so it's best to avoid them.
3. ATM Skimming
Criminals may attach skimming devices to ATMs to steal your card information. Use ATMs inside banks or well-traveled areas for safety.
- Inside Banks: ATMs located inside banks are less likely to be rigged with skimming devices.
- Well-Traveled Areas: Choose ATMs in well-traveled areas where potential criminals are more likely to be noticed.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers from capturing your information.
4. Fake Guides
Unlicensed tour guides might lead you to overpriced shops or scams. Request for a licensed guide from your hotel or travel agency.
- Licensed Guide: Ask for a licensed guide to ensure they have the proper credentials.
- Hotel or Travel Agency: Book tours through your hotel or travel agency for peace of mind.
- Avoid Street Guides: Be wary of street guides offering unsolicited services.
5. Currency Exchange Scams
Unscrupulous currency exchange businesses might shortchange or overcharge you. Use reputable and official exchanges.
- Reputable Exchanges: Choose authorized and reliable currency exchange services for a fair exchange.
- Avoid Street Exchange: Stay away from street-side currency exchanges to reduce the risk of scams.
- Compare Rates: Always compare exchange rates between different services before making a decision.
6. Overpriced Accommodations
Some accommodations might overcharge tourists. Research prices and check reviews online before booking.
- Online Reviews: Read online reviews to get an idea of the accommodation's price range.
- Price Research: Compare prices with other accommodations in the area to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
- Reputation: Choose accommodations with a good reputation and positive reviews.
7. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors might use fake or low-quality ingredients. Choose busy, well-known stalls for safe and authentic meals.
- Busy Stalls: Choose busy street food stalls with a steady flow of customers.
- Well-Known Stalls: Opt for well-known and popular street food stalls for a safe and tasty meal.
- Avoid Eating Late at Night: Be cautious about eating street food late at night to reduce the risk of scams.
8. Friendly Strangers
Some friendly locals might invite you to their home or offer help, only to lead you into a scam. Trust your instincts and be cautious.
- Trust Your Instincts: Always trust your instincts and be wary of strangers offering help or invitations.
- Stick to Known Areas: Stay in well-traveled and popular areas to reduce the risk of encounters with scammers.
- Don't Share Personal Information: Never share personal information or valuables with strangers.
9. Unlicensed Massage Parlors
Some massage parlors might offer questionable services. Choose licensed and reputable establishments for a safe experience.
- Licensed Establishment: Choose massage parlors that are properly licensed and follow local regulations.
- Reputation: Check the reputation of the massage parlor by reading reviews or asking locals for recommendations.
- Avoid Late Night Visits: Be cautious about visiting massage parlors late at night to reduce the risk of scams.
10. Beggars and Street Children
Beware of children begging or asking for help, as they might be part of organized scams. Don't give money to beggars and report any suspicious activity.
- Avoid Giving Money: Don't give money to beggars, as it might support organized scams.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity or children begging to local authorities.
- Stay Away from Groups of Beggars: Avoid groups of beggars, as they might be part of organized scams.
11. Sim Card Scams
Some sim card vendors might sell you a sim card with an incorrect plan or overcharge you. Choose official stores for sim cards.
- Official Stores: Buy your sim card from official retailers to avoid scams.
- Compare Plans: Always compare plans and prices with other providers before making a decision.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors selling sim cards to reduce the risk of scams.
12. Rickshaw Scams
Some rickshaw drivers might take longer routes or overcharge tourists. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
- Negotiation Before Journey: Always negotiate the fare before starting your rickshaw journey to avoid overcharges.
- Licensed Rickshaws: Choose licensed and regulated rickshaws for a safe experience.
- Avoid Late Night Rides: Be cautious about rickshaw rides late at night to reduce the risk of scams.
13. Overpriced Souvenirs
Some souvenir shops might overcharge tourists. Research prices and compare with other stores before buying.
- Research Prices: Always research the fair market price of souvenirs before making a purchase.
- Compare Shops: Compare prices with other souvenir shops in the area to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
- Legitimate Souvenirs: Check for proper branding and packaging to avoid buying counterfeit or fake souvenirs.
14. Cultural Performance Scams
Some cultural performances might be overpriced or fake. Choose reputable and well-reviewed shows for an authentic experience.
- Reputation: Check the reputation of the cultural performance by reading reviews or asking locals for recommendations.
- Comparable Prices: Compare prices with other cultural performances in the area to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
- Authentic Performances: Choose performances that offer an authentic representation of local culture and traditions.
15. Bus Ticket Scams
Some bus ticket vendors might sell you a ticket for an overpriced or non-existent bus. Buy tickets from the official bus station.
- Official Bus Station: Buy your bus ticket from the official bus station to avoid scams.
- Compare Prices: Always compare prices with other vendors before making a decision.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors selling bus tickets to reduce the risk of scams.